10 Ways To Market Your Small Business With Limited Funds

Have you started a business recently? Have you found it difficult trying to grow your small business on a limited budget? Small businesses often have a hard time building name recognition because they lack the financial resources of larger companies. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t effectively market their business. The power of the internet has vastly accelerated the viral, word-of-mouth marketing strategies of small businesses. If you’re on a strict marketing budget, try these ideas to help market your small business.

10 Small Business Marketing Tips

You don’t need a lot of money to start marketing your small business. These tips can get you started without a lot of funds.

1. Social Networking. Use social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and discussion forums to promote your business. Create a website or company blog where people can visit and talk about the latest trends in your industry. It also gives you the opportunity to market your products for free.

2. Business Stationery. Business stationery is a relatively inexpensive way of advertising for your business. You can hand out business cards, brochures, posters and pens to potential customers. Business stationery is a tangible reminder to customers about your company’s products and services.

3. Professional Clubs. Professional clubs are great for meeting and networking with other professionals. Join your local Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club to meet new business contacts. If you are in the marketing industry, join the American Marketing Association (AMA) and network with people in related industries

4. Press Releases. Have you just opened a new business or started selling a new product? If so, issue a press release. Press releases are not just for big companies anymore. Use a press release to get the word out about your company. All you have to do is type up your press release with your company name, title, news, and your contact information. Submit your press release to your local television station, radio station, newspaper, online directories, and any other media organizations.

5. Corporate Logo. Design a corporate logo. Place your business name and logo on your car and your apparel. A good logo makes an impression and leaves an imprint on a customer’s mind. What do you think of when you see the Pillsbury Dough Boy? How about the golden arches of McDonald’s or the hands of Allstate? A good corporate logo will speak for your business.

6. Referrals. Word-of mouth advertising can bring you more business than you think. A happy customer will lead to more customers. Reward satisfied customers that bring you new business with a referral fee. You could offer a set dollar amount or a percentage off of future purchases as a reward.

7. Cross promotion. Team up with another business to help promote your product. You can cross-promote products between the two businesses. For example, if you are an accountant and you know an individual who works in financial planning, it’s a win-win situation for both parties.

8. Contests. Offer a free giveaway or run a contest. Pick a desirable product that potential customers would be interested in winning such as an iPhone, Xbox 360, or a gift card. For giveaways, you can offer your company’s product or service free of charge to the winner.

9. Website. A company website increases awareness of your business. An internet website makes it easier for people to find you. Creating a website or company blog is cheaper and easier than you think. Sites like Yahoo Sitebuilder and Bluehost allow you to build a website for less than $10 a month.

10. Seminars and Forums. Hosting a free seminar is a great way to showcase your expertise and build name recognition for your business. You can also volunteer to be a speaker in a forum. Both opportunities offer free publicity for your business.

Do you know of any other ways to market a small business on a budget not mentioned above?

This article was written by a contributing author. For more information about this author, please see the bio information listed in the article. If you would like to write an article for Cash Money Life, please visit the following page: write for Cash Money Life.

Note About Comments on this Site: These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered..

i am looking into the business stationery and logo for my online business but there is still so much to do before i actually do it. i am first thinking of improving the quality of service i offer and them make apparel and logos that will make people want to come back to me… you know sort of like facebook or google. their services are good and who wouldnt want one of those simple t-shirts they have?? the rotary club thing is a nice touch

Depending on what your business offers, it’s good to keep a presence on Craigslist. There is a whole services section. If you sell goods, you can list a couple of excellent deals in the for sale section. It’s a good way to get people to look up your store and learn a little about it.

Article marketing can help a small business grow. Ezinearticles.com is a great place to write about topics that are related to your business. Provide value through your articles to market to those who are your customers.

I belonged to my local chamber for two years and never got one referral or call. I guess it depends how proactive your chamber is but I really think they are a waste of money. There are other ways to get more bang for your buck.

Follow Us!

Follow Us on FaceBook!

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional financial advice. References to third party products, rates, and offers may change without notice. Please visit the referenced site for current information. We may receive compensation through affiliate or advertising relationships from products mentioned on this site. However, we do not accept compensation for positive reviews; all reviews on this site represent the opinions of the author. Privacy Policy.

Editorial Disclosure: This content is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the bank advertiser, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Program.